California-based brewery North Coast Brewing Company (NCBC) has begun selling two of its iconic beers in cans for the first time: Ruedrich’s Red Seal Ale and PranQster Belgian Style Golden Ale. Both had been exclusively available in bottles since their releases in 1988 and 1995, respectively.
This change represents a strategic move for the company, which has installed its own canning line. With this, it seeks to improve quality control, maintain product freshness, and expand its presence throughout the United States. According to its CEO and CFO, Jennifer Owen, this decision is not just a change of packaging, but a way to “honor tradition by making our beers more accessible, practical, and sustainable”.
As part of its environmental commitment, NCBC has replaced conventional plastic rings with Eco-Rings, 100% compostable supports made from plant fibers. These new rings decompose in both home and industrial compost without releasing microplastics, aligning with the company’s sustainable objectives.
The measure reflects a growing trend in the craft brewing sector, where more and more historical brands are adopting the can format for its ecological and logistical advantages. Other pioneering breweries, such as Sierra Nevada and Bell’s Brewery, had already taken similar steps in previous years.
With this launch, North Coast Brewing is committed to innovation without sacrificing its legacy, responding to the demands of a consumer increasingly aware of the environmental impact of packaging.
